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Ligustrum excelsum Superbum - is a small, evergreen tree with a great, rounded crown that retains its rounded shape if grown in full sun. Long, ovate, pointed, glossy, light-green leaves have attractive, greenish-yellow to creamy-yellow margins. Numerous clusters of scented, creamy-yellow flowers almost cover the leaves in summer and autumn, and are followed by small, black berries that remain on branches for a long time. Chinese privet 'Excelsum Superbum' - can thrive in wide range of soil types, except waterlogged. It prefers deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought. Tolerant of urban pollution and salty air. Low maintenance plant. In harsh winters, it may lose its leaves. Ligustrum excelsum Superbum – is a tough tree, perfect for restricted spaces as it can be planted very close to buildings, therefore, suitable for a street tree. Great for informal hedges and screens, or as an accent plant.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings. Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds. It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica' is a medium-sized, suckering, fast-growing, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub famous for its red stems, especially spectacular in winter, when they turn bright coral red. It has ovate, greyish-green leaves with white margins and small, creamy white flowers that bloom in spring and summer and are followed by bluish-white berries in autumn. Attractive to birds and butterflies. Cornus alba 'Sibirica' thrives in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate, wet, dry, and poor soils. Pruning is not required but it can stimulate the growth of new stems. Young stems have the best colour. Cornus alba 'Sibirica' is most attractive during the winter when its fiery red stems bring colour to a winter garden and beautifully contrast the whiteness of the snow. It looks best when planted in groups or beside water. It is great for shrub borders, hedging and screens, or as an accent plant.

Acer pensylvanicum, commonly known as the striped maple, is a deciduous tree native to the forests of eastern North America. It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing between 5 to 10 metres tall, with a slender trunk and spreading branches that create a rounded crown. The bark of young trees is particularly striking, characterised by green and white vertical stripes, giving the tree its common name. As the tree matures, the bark darkens to a reddish-brown or grey, and the stripes become less pronounced.

The leaves of Acer pensylvanicum are large and broad, usually measuring 12 to 18 centimetres in length and width. They are three-lobed, with a slightly serrated edge, and have a soft, velvety texture. The leaves are bright green in spring and summer, turning vibrant shades of yellow in the autumn before falling. This autumnal display makes the tree an attractive feature in woodland settings.

In late spring, the striped maple produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that hang down in delicate racemes. These flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers often found on the same tree. Pollinated by wind or insects, the flowers develop into distinctive winged seeds, called samaras, which mature in late summer and are dispersed by the wind.

Acer pensylvanicum thrives in cool, shaded environments, preferring moist, well-drained soils. It is commonly found in the understorey of mixed hardwood forests, where it grows slowly in the dappled light. The striped maple is also known for its ability to regenerate from stumps, making it resilient in disturbed forest areas.

Malus domestica Blenheim Orange is a very old English apple variety. It’s an attractive, vigorous apple tree with pale pink flowers blooming in April and May and large, golden, flushed red, crisp, nutty, dessert and cooking apples with crumbly texture. Ready for harvesting in September and October. Malus domestica Blenheim Orange prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but the crop is best in full sun. It is suitable for northerly, cooler, rainier climates. Resistant to scab and mildew. It can withstand frost, but it needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. It’s a triploid, it needs two other varieties for pollination. Regular pruning is required. Apple ‘Blenheim Orange’ is a vigorous architectural tree perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Suitable for growing in containers. Fruits can be eaten fresh, cooked to purée or cooked to keep its shape. It is thought to be one of the best dual purpose apples.

Root Stock MM106 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock commonly used for apple trees. It offers a moderate growth rate, producing trees 10-15 feet tall when mature. Suitable for medium-sized gardens, MM106 ensures good fruit yield and adaptability to various soils. It's resistant to woolly apple aphid and moderately resistant to crown rot. Ideal for bush, cordons, and espalier forms. Ensure proper staking in early years.

Malus domestica ‘Katy’ is a vigorous, early-season, heavy-cropping, deciduous apple tree with ovate, green leaves, orange and red in autumn, and lovely, white, scented flowers blooming in spring. Small to medium, bright red apples have white and juicy flash with sweet and refreshing flavour and are ready for harvesting in early September. Malus domestica ‘Katy’ prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in sunny, sheltered positions. It doesn’t like acidic and shallow chalk soils, as well as shady areas. Resistant to frost and suitable for Northern European climates. Not self-fertile, it needs a pollinator nearby for flower pollination. Requires regular pruning and fruit thinning for better fruit size and quality. Apple 'Katya' is a cross between James Grieve and Worcester Pearmain. It’s a beautiful ornamental tree, a great addition to any informal, cottage, or urban garden. Suitable for wall-side borders and for growing in containers. Apples are perfect for making juices, but also to be eaten fresh.

M26 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock used for apple trees, particularly in orchards and home gardens. It produces trees 10-12 feet in height, making them easier to manage and harvest. M26 ensures early fruit production, good anchorage, and medium vigor. However, it requires staking during early years and is moderately susceptible to fire blight.

Hosta 'Minuteman' is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden settings due to its bold foliage and reliable performance. This hardy perennial thrives in shaded to partially shaded areas, making it ideal for under trees, along north-facing walls, or in woodland gardens where other plants may struggle. Its attractive dark green leaves with clean, white margins create a striking contrast that brightens dim garden corners and adds texture to planting schemes. 'Minuteman' forms a neat, compact mound, making it suitable for borders, edging, and container gardening.

In summer, it sends up tall spikes with delicate lavender flowers, which can attract bees and pollinators. This hosta is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking easy-care plants. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-loving perennials, contributing to a layered and visually rich garden composition.

With consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun, 'Minuteman' will flourish for years. Its refined appearance and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any shade garden, whether traditional, cottage-style, or modern in design.

Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its striking foliage, especially the fresh, coppery-red young leaves that age to glossy deep green. In a parachute shape, this cultivar forms a gracefully rounded, umbrella-like canopy with a central stem or supportive structure from which a dense mass of arching branches radiates. The new growth naturally fans outward and downward, creating a soft, parachute-like silhouette that adds architectural interest and year-round colour to any garden.

This distinctive form makes ‘Red Robin’ especially suitable as a specimen feature or focal point in borders, courtyards, and patio containers. Its evergreen nature ensures structure and visual appeal throughout the seasons, while the red flushes of spring and summer provide dynamic seasonal interest. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best leaf colour and strong, compact growth. Tolerant of a range of soil types, it prefers well-drained, fertile soil and benefits from regular watering in dry spells. Light pruning after flushes enhances the parachute shape and encourages fresh shoots.

Overall, the parachute form of Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ combines ornamental beauty with reliable garden performance, ideal for adding year-round structure and colour.

Parthenocissus henryana, commonly referred to as the Chinese Virginia creeper, is a captivating deciduous climbing plant originating from China. One of its most distinctive features is its dark green leaves adorned with shimmering silver veins, creating a striking contrast that provides a visual delight in gardens or landscapes.

The plant displays a growth habit that is somewhat less aggressive compared to some of its cousins in the Parthenocissus genus. This makes it a preferable choice for homeowners and gardeners who desire a less intrusive climber.

During the fall season, Parthenocissus henryana undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Its leaves turn to a vibrant shade of red, offering a spectacular autumnal display and enriching the landscape with its fiery hues.

In addition to its ornamental leaves, the plant produces small blue-black berries. While they provide an aesthetic appeal and are a food source for birds, they are considered inedible for humans.

One of the advantages of this plant is its adaptability. It can thrive in a range of soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. As an ornamental climber, Parthenocissus henryana is versatile, making it suitable for various garden designs, from trellises to walls or even ground cover. Proper care and management can ensure this plant remains an attractive and manageable feature in gardens.

Pinus strobus, commonly known as Eastern white pine, produces distinctive "squiggles" that are most noticeable in the spring and early summer. These squiggles are the immature, pollen-bearing male cones (known as catkins), which hang in clusters from the branches. They start out as small, greenish-yellow structures, often curling or curving, giving them a squiggly appearance. As they mature, these catkins release copious amounts of fine, yellow pollen that can be seen dusting the ground, cars, and nearby surfaces during peak pollination.

The squiggles can vary in size, typically ranging from 1 to 2 centimetres in length. Their twisted, sometimes irregular shape makes them stand out against the linear, needle-like foliage of the tree. Once the pollen is released, the squiggles wither and eventually fall off the tree, often accumulating in significant quantities on the ground beneath.

Pinus strobus is a dominant tree in many North American forests, but it can also be found in parks, gardens, and managed landscapes in the UK. The squiggles are a seasonal feature that many people in the UK might notice, especially during windy days when the pollen is easily carried through the air.

In addition to their role in reproduction, these male cones are a subtle indicator of the health and maturity of the tree. A robust display of squiggles generally suggests a healthy tree that is capable of producing sufficient pollen for reproduction. Their unusual, curly shapes add an element of visual interest to the tree, although they are often overlooked in favour of the more recognisable long cones and soft, blue-green needles of the Eastern white pine.

Sciadopitys verticillata, commonly referred to as the Japanese umbrella pine, is a distinct and architecturally striking evergreen conifer. Native to Japan, this tree is prized for its unique appearance, featuring glossy, dark green needles that radiate around its branches resembling the spokes of an umbrella. The needles are thick and leathery, arranged in whorls that contribute to the plant’s dense, sculptural form.

Growing slowly, the Japanese umbrella pine eventually reaches an ultimate height of about 15-20 meters in the UK, making it a magnificent specimen tree in larger gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect it from harsh winds. Partial shade to full sun is ideal for its growth.

In British gardens, Sciadopitys verticillata is often used as a focal point due to its rare and exotic appearance. Its resilience and year-round beauty also make it a popular choice for ornamental planting.

Taxus baccata, or Common Yew, is a long-lived, medium-sized, bushy evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with leathery, flat-needled, light to dark green foliage. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by very ornamental, red, berry-like fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are attractive to birds. Common Yew grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is tolerant of full shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It doesn’t like temperature extremes, and need protection from harsh winter winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning, but can be trimmed in various shapes. Taxus bacca is a tough and resilient plant suitable for various conditions, one of the best conifers for shady areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great for foundation plantings or topiaries.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with a dense, round crown. Its has ovate, toothed, hairy leaves, bright green in summer, yellow in autumn. Yellow male catkins appear in late winter and hang loosely from the bare branches. Female flowers are tiny, red and inconspicuous and are followed by edible nuts, hazelnuts, in autumn. Hazelnuts are popular and healthy nuts, full of unsaturated fats and proteins.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ can grow in any type of soil, as long as it is moist, airy and well-drained, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soils. It likes full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, wind, and air pollution. Flower buds can be damaged by early frost. Generally, pest-free and disease-free.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ is widely grown for commercial nut production. It has many named varieties. It is perfect for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Great for hedges and screens. Suitable for urban and roof gardens.

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is an attractive evergreen shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage and compact growth habit. It boasts glossy, oval leaves that emerge a striking red in spring, gradually maturing to a deep, rich green. This bi-colour effect creates a striking visual appeal, adding a burst of colour to the garden. In autumn, the older leaves can take on shades of bronze and burgundy, providing additional seasonal interest. The new growth's red hue is particularly vivid in sunny positions, making it a fantastic feature in borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen.

Reaching a height and spread of approximately 1.5 metres, 'Little Fenna' is more compact than other Photinia varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a container plant. Its dense growth habit also makes it an excellent choice for creating a low hedge or privacy screen. Additionally, this shrub is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

In late spring, 'Little Fenna' produces clusters of small white flowers, which are followed by red berries in the summer if pollinated, attracting birds and beneficial insects to the garden. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage the vibrant new growth that defines this variety.

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is also fairly resistant to common pests and diseases, although it is advisable to keep an eye out for leaf spot. Overall, its stunning foliage, manageable size, and ease of care make 'Little Fenna' an excellent addition to any UK garden.

The Olea europaea, or olive tree, on a clear stem is a beautifully compact and structured tree, perfect for adding a Mediterranean charm to gardens, patios, and terraces. Its clear, straight stem supports a round, tidy head of dense, silvery-green foliage, providing year-round evergreen interest. The slightly gnarled bark of the trunk adds texture and character, enhancing its ornamental appeal. This olive tree thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, showing excellent resilience to drought once established. Ideal for container planting or as a focal point in borders, it benefits from light pruning to maintain its neat, spherical form and to encourage healthy, bushy growth.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Glo Ball' is a delightful and compact evergreen shrub, cherished for its unique and eye-catching ornamental features. Hailing from the Pittosporum genus, this cultivar is known for its striking spherical shape, which sets it apart from other members of the species.

This shrub's botanical name, Pittosporum tenuifolium, gives a nod to its slender, narrow leaves ('tenuifolium' referring to "thin leaves"), which are glossy, small olive green leaves with a creamy - yellow margin. These foliage characteristics lend a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

'Glo Ball' is truly distinctive due to its compact, rounded form, which resembles a perfectly manicured green globe. Its dense growth habit makes it an ideal choice for hedges, borders, or as an attractive stand-alone specimen plant. This rounded shape is easily maintained with light pruning to help it retain its appealing spherical appearance.

In spring, 'Glo Ball' surprises with tiny, inconspicuous maroon flowers that release a subtle, sweet fragrance. These blooms, while not showy, attract pollinators and add an extra layer of charm to the shrub.

One of the key advantages of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Glo Ball' is its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for various garden settings. Its hardy nature also makes it relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention once established.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' is a compact, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub or small tree, with star-shaped, five-lobed, glossy, deep green leaves, yellow to deep burgundy in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small, spikey, rounded capsules that persist throughout the winter. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball' prefers fertile and semi-fertile, loamy, lime-free, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is very resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Moderately tolerant of sea salt and pollution. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Sweet gum 'Gum Ball' is a highly ornamental, small tree with beautiful autumn foliage. It is suitable for cottage, urban, coastal, and woodland gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant, shade tree or street tree. Ideal for patios because of its small size. Fruit can create litter.

Malus Domestica 'Granny Smith' is a very popular and well-known apple tree with small, green leaves with pointed tips, and beautiful, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers with yellow stamens blooming in spring. Flowers are followed by large, round, green, juicy, firm and crisp apples with acidic flavour, harvested in October and November. If sorted well, they can last for 6 months. Malus Domestica 'Granny Smith' prefers moderately fertile, deep, loamy moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. It can withstand some frost but for good and regular crop, it needs warmth and isn’t suitable for colder climates. It is self-fertile but needs another variety blooming at the same time nearby for better crops. One of the best pollinators for other varieties. Requires some pruning and thinning. Apple 'Granny Smith' is a beautiful tree and a wonderful addition to any garden, but it is primarily grown for its delicious fruit, great for eating fresh and perfect for cooking.

Red Devil Apple plant is a deciduous, hardy, vigorous tree with a bushy, upright habit, attractive pink-white flowers, and stunning, deep red fruit. Its creamy flesh is white, but stained with red and produces beautiful pink juice. Red Devil apples ripen in mid-September and are harvested till mid-October. The fruit has juicy and moderately sweet and sharp taste with a hint of strawberry flavour. They store well and can be kept till January.

Red Devil Apple was bred by Hugh Ermen, in Faversham, Kent in 1975, and introduced in 1990 as an excellent, modern dessert apple. It is very resilient, generally disease-free, and adaptable to most weather conditions. It grows in almost any type of soil as long as it is moist and well-drained. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is self-fertile and doesn’t need a pollination partner.

M26 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock (smaller than MM106) used for apple trees, particularly in orchards and home gardens. It produces trees 10-12 feet in height, making them easier to manage and harvest. M26 ensures early fruit production, good anchorage, and medium vigor. However, it requires staking during early years and is moderately susceptible to fire blight.

Feijoa (acca) sellowiana, or Pineapple Guava, is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree, with oblong, silvery green leaves, white-felted underneath. Unusual flowers with four red petals, white on the outside, and red stamens with yellow tips, appear singly or in clusters. They are edible and taste like marshmallows. Flowers are followed by edible, tough-skinned, red-flushed, green fruit with pineapple-spearmint flavour. Pineapple Guava loves full sun, and prefers light, moist, well-drained soils. The consistent soil moisture is very important for the production of fruits. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and partial shade. It is moderately tolerant of salt and drought, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. Feijoa (acca) sellowiana is a unique, ornamental shrub, ideal for urban, coastal, and Mediterranean gardens. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant, great for wall-side borders, hedges and screens, or for growing in containers.